In most ancient societies women were expected to be seen and not heard, but some exceptional women refused to accept this. These heroines rocked the world with their accomplishments, and with their attitude! Outrageous Women of Ancient Times relates the unusual stories of fifteen of these brave and fascinating women. Cheer the three sisters from Rome who stole the show at the athletic games, winning numerous prizes in running and even chariot races. Take inspiration from Hatshepsut, the first female pharaoh of Egypt, who ruled for twenty years. Discover the Arab queen Zenobia, who conquered Egypt and half of Asia Minor during her reign.

Some were feisty and fiery. Others were cool and dangerous. All were incredibly courageous. Outrageous Women of The Middle Ages took on the challenge of their world--and didn't worry about ruffling a few feathers. Among the outrageous women you'll meet are: Eleanor of Aquitaine--queen of France and later England, she led a group of women on the Second Crusade and created her own financial system Lady Murasaki Shikibu--besides being a wife and mother, she learned the "forbidden" language of Chinese and wrote the world's first novel Aud the Deep-Minded--a Viking wise woman and explorer who led her clan, grandchildren and all, on a risky voyage from Scotland to Iceland Hildegarde of Bingen--the German nun who, late in life, became a composer, a botanist, and founded convents Damia al-Kahina--a nomadic freedom fighter, skilled at peacemaking and war, who kept her North African homeland free